The Neighbourhood Arts Network and BMO Financial Group are planting creative seeds this spring in the form of six $1,000 prizes. The Neighbourhood Arts Network BMO Seeds Fund is the first of three annual prize initiatives offered in the spring that are designed to support artists across Toronto in the development, creation or dissemination of a community engaged arts project.

“We are really excited to be offering this opportunity to the members of The Foundation’s, Neighbourhood Arts Network”said Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Foundation.“The Toronto Arts Foundation is committed to connecting every Toronto neighbourhood to the transformative power of artistic activity. With the support of BMO Financial Group we can further our vision, Creative City: Block by Block.”

Adding to the wave of micro grants, prizes and crowd funding initiatives that are popping up across North America, the Neighbourhood Arts Network BMO Seeds Fund will give local Toronto artists and communities access to $1,000 for projects dedicated to creating a positive impact on the city and its neighbourhoods.

“We believe that a healthy arts program is one of the key components of a vibrant community,” said Nada Ristich, Director, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial Group.“Our partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation is an important investment in our community, as well as an indicator of BMO’s continued dedication to arts and culture.”

The top 10 finalists will be selected by four local judges from the community, followed by a week long social media campaign in May that will promote their projects and give the general public the opportunity to vote for the six final prize winners. Prize recipients will be celebrated and awarded their prize at an inaugural Neighbourhood Arts Network BMO Seeds Fund reception in June.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand how small prizes of this kind can propel an artist forward and create ripple effects of positive change throughout the neighbourhood or communities that benefit from their work.” said Ella Cooper, Senior Coordinator of the Neighbourhood Arts Network.

Neighbourhood Arts Network BMO SEEDS FUND
Six $1,000 Prizes for Artists Working in Community

Deadline: Monday April 29, 2013
Prize recipients announced in June 2013

The Neighbourhood Arts Network and BMO Financial Group are planting creative seeds this spring in the form of six $1,000 prizes. The Neighbourhood Arts Network BMO Seed Fund is a brand new opportunity geared to support artists in the development, creation and/or dissemination of a community engaged arts project they are leading anytime between June2013to April 2014

You are eligible to apply for the Neighbourhood Arts Network BMO Seed Fund if you are:

· An individual artist

· Over 18 years old

· A current City of Toronto resident (Must have lived here a minimum of 6 months)

· A Neighbourhood Arts Network member (You can sign up for our free membershipprior to applying.)

· You are looking to make a positive impact in a Toronto neighbourhood or community through a unique arts based project.

· (Priority will be given to projects taking place in communities across the City of Toronto.)

The top 10 finalists will be selected by four local judges from the community, followed by a week long social media campaign in May that will promote their projects and give the general public the opportunity to vote for the six final prize winners. Prize recipients will be celebrated and awarded their prize at an inaugural Neighbourhood Arts Network BMO Seeds Fund reception in June.